Kampong Chhnang Cambodia - Most Interesting Attractions and Sights

The main highlight of Kampong Chhnang is the floating village which actually comprises different areas including the Vietnamese villages of Kandal and the Khmer villages of Chong Kos. That said, the villages are not the only thing to see in Kampong Chhnang, and this is a great place to take in some pretty temples as well as local crafts and products in the form of pottery villages and markets.

Floating Village

As mentioned above, there are several different floating village areas here, and tours around the Tonle Sap usually last for around an hour. To make the trip you will need to hire a motorboat which will cost in the region of USD15 for two people although this depends on whether it is high or low season.

As you tour around the villages you will see locals going about their daily lives as well as fishing and preparing their catch to sell in the local market.

Far more famous is the Floating Village of Chong Kneas in Siem Reap, although we found this to be more commercialized and polluted. The river around Chong Kneas is extremely dirty and there is now a huge problem with begging due to its popularity as a tourist trap. As such, if you are looking to visit a Floating Village then Kampong Chhnang is a far better choice.

Kampong Leaeng Temples

Across the river from the banks of Kampong Chhnang is Kampong Leaeng which is home to some gorgeous temples that pre-date Angkor.

These include Prasart Srei which dates from the Jayarvarman I era as well as Prasart Bros which is probably from around the same period. There is also Prasart Punnrey which has around 300 steps to get to the top but offers fabulous views of the surrounding countryside and which dates from the 10th century.

The temples are quite different in style to many in other parts of Cambodia, but one of the great delights of this trip is also the approach by river and the chance to venture out into rural Cambodia. One of the best ways to make the trip is to charter a boat for around USD25 to take you to Kampong Leaeng and back, and then hire a tuk-tuk for the day to take you out to the temples which costs around USD15.

Andong Russei Pottery Village

Chhnang actually means ‘pot’ in Khmer so it is no surprise that there is a pottery village here. Located around 4 kilometres from Kampong Chhnang, this makes an easy day visit and you can walk around the village and see the little houses that all make pottery.

As well as individual homes and businesses, there is a communal area with a shop where you can also buy some pieces and this is a good way to support the local community while also seeing how traditional Khmer pottery is made. The easiest way to get to the village is to take a tuk-tuk from Kampong Chhnang which costs around USD10.

Phnom Neang Kong Rei

Phnom Neang Kong Rei means the Mountain of the Sleeping Lady although to call it a mountain is a bit ambitious as it is actually more of a small hill. Still, despite its small stature it is actually one of the most famous mountains in Cambodia as it is the source of a legend of a heartbroken princess. You will see statues of the poor girl all over the area but the real reason to go here is to take in the amazing views across the countryside. It is located on the other side of the Tonle Sap from Kampong Chhnang but you can just get the passenger ferry across followed by a tuk-tuk for a few dollars.